Southwest Area Report // Summer 2010 FOCUS on Camps & Community
“You can’t reach the community without the community.”
Sounds repetitive but if you want to make an impact ON the community, you have to involve those IN the community. Jesus got it right when he chose every day people who were available to serve and assist in meeting needs and serving others. The non-school based FCA ministries reach the community through partnerships with the local churches, businesses, parents and volunteers. These ministries not only reach OUT to the community, but also allow the community to invest IN athletes and coaches. Some of the greatest involvement of the local community in FCA is assisting with sponsoring local camps as well as working to provide camp scholarships.
In June, FCA partnered with Two Wins Foundation, Chick-fil-A, Integrity Marketing, and Beck Construction to provide a free middle school football camp for Dallas ISD students. Over 130 students and 30 coaches participated in this FCA Partnership Camp that is now in its 4th year. Along with the Football Camp portion of this event, attendees were challenged in the areas of Character, College, and Community. Several former college and pro football players who were Dallas ISD graduates spoke to the students each day. Dallas ISD coaches including some FCA huddle coaches assisted with the football portion during the first two days where students were given basic skills training for their specific position.
Getting the community involved in events such as this camp opens the door to exposing more coaches, students, and parents to the ministry of FCA. As a result of meeting a community need, conversations are happening about FCA and what we have to offer to impact the lives of students. We have a life-changing message that reaches hearts, “Unleash The Power” of God, and transform lives!
“Thanks for your efforts in providing a quality football camp and challenging our students to make character, education, and community a priority. We appreciate all that FCA does for Dallas ISD”. Dallas ISD Athletic Department
“These are exactly the kinds of efforts we need to facilitate an environment of true community and civic pride in Southwest Dallas. We look forward to working with FCA and its exemplary young men on future projects and events.”
Sam Franklin - Dallas Parks & Recreation
Along with participation in local camps, FCA held a Leadership Camp at Hardin-Simmons in Abilene and a Sports Camp at Texas A&M in College Station. Over 100 students from the Dallas area attended these two incredible weeks of perspiration and inspiration. Many of these students had the opportunity to attend camp because of local FCA Adult Chapters and other community groups who sponsored students who would not have been able to attend.
“Thank you so much for assisting me with sending my daughter to FCA Sports Camp. You have done so much for me…whatever you need me to do, just let me know. I want to get involved….FCA can count on me.” Cynthia (parent)
Thanks to each sponsor for your investment into the lives of student-athletes throughout Dallas who experienced the life-changing message of Jesus Christ this summer at an FCA camp. Please continue to pray as to how the Lord would have you be involved in our ministry. Blessings.
